If you are new to sewing, it can and probably will be intimidating. Even for those that have experience in the field.
You may be asking yourself questions such as: "Where do I start? What do I need? What do I actually need?" In this post, I'll be narrowing down the TOP 5 items you need to get you started on your sewing adventures~!
Before you read any further, I'd like to point out that this post will be largely directed towards those with sewing machines. Although these tools can also be used and found quite useful if you're sewing by hand as well.
And finally, this list will be in no particular order because frankly - I can't make those stressful life decisions at the moment. Fabric Scissors and pins are important matters, okay?
1. Fabric Scissors AND Paper Scissors
Before you ask, yes. There is a difference.
These two crucial items may be a no brainer. But trust me when I say, a good pair of fabric scissors can make a world of a difference.
Good fabric scissors allow for a clean and quick cut. Especially when you're working with fabric that frays easily. You may have to look around a little and find a pair that works for you. I got my current pair of fabric scissors at the dollar store and they work wonderfully. So it just goes to show that you don't need to drop a lot of coin.
And for cutting paper/patterns, I highly suggest sparing your lovely fabric scissors and grabbing a regular pair of paper scissors. Cutting paper with fabric scissors can lead to dullness of the blades which is a big no thank you.
2. A Measuring tape
If you're going to be making any sort of garments, a measuring tape is crucial! Unless you're planning to eyeball everything, which in that case...good luck.
They're not expensive at all and in fact, I'm fairly certain I've seen these hanging around the dollar store as well.
3. A Seam ripper
Dear God, what would I do without my seam ripper.
When I first started sewing classes, I had no idea what my teacher was going on about. "A seam what?". To tell the truth, I had never even heard of one. But now I understand what all that fuss was.
A seam ripper is basically a little metal tool with a sharp hook like end to it. When you mess up or have a line of stitches somewhere where you're not supposed to have them, you pick at the visible thread to break up the seam and pull it apart. This is also why if you're just starting out, I recommend practising with a wider stitch when sewing because it's easier to rip the seam if you make a mistake.
No matter how long you've been sewing for; a few weeks, months or years - you definitely need one of these gems.
4. Pins and a Pin cushion
Pins are an all around great sewing tool. Not only does it help pin pieces of fabric together, it keeps seams aligned before sewing them and they're great as markers on when and where to start/stop sewing.
There are various types of pins. My favourite pins are the ones with the little coloured balls at the end. I personally like them more because they're much easier to pull out and coming from someone with a cat that has a tendency to play with them when they accidentally drop on the floor, they're a whole lot easier to find as well ;-)
And of course, this one seems like a no brainer as well but I thought I'd just throw it in there: a pin cushion. Or I've also seen people use a small container. Whatever works for you really. I prefer a pin cushion because they're easy to grab without risking the chance of stabbing my finger while fishing through a full container of pins (ouch).
As well as if you have any pets or small children or just for the sake of your feet, you definitely do not want them falling on the floor!
5. An Iron
There are tons of different types of irons which range in price. Some are specifically recommended for seamstresses. Although I'm fairly certain I got mine from Walmart and it does the job. As long as it's got the settings you need and it has some weight to it, you're fine.
BONUS
6. Spray on starch
I was wrong.
Sure, the pleats were easy. But getting the pleats to actually lie flat? That was a different story. I tried ironing them. Nope. I tried hand stitching them into place. Nope. I also tried a vinegar and water concoction which I had found while desperately scanning the internet. Also a big nope. To which my mom then suggested spray on starch. I personally had never worked with starch but had heard a lot about it when making my recent petticoat.
Let me just say. WOW. I am in love with the stuff now. I pretty much use it for everything and often feel like someone out of the movie hairspray as I twirl around and shower myself in it (okay not literally). It just gives the garment such a clean and sharp finish. It solved my poofy pleat problem in seconds. All you do is spray, iron and bam!
So, enough of my rambling - spray on starch is a lifesaver for pleated skirts (long or short). Getting seams to lie flat. Princess seams on a bodice. Pretty much everything aside from blouses and such.
--------------------------
I hope you found this post useful or maybe it was just an interesting read as a way to kill time. Either way, thank you. And I'd just like to say that I am in no way a professional and I only sew as a hobby but it's a huge passion of mine~
Anyway, If you have any questions, as usual feel free to drop them down in the comments and I'll try my best to answer them! Thanks for reading~!
Fiona :-)
No comments